Horses and Hounds Lead an Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade in Middleburg

The Middleburg Christmas Parade is this Saturday, December 4th. To say this is a Loudoun signature event would be an understatement. Since the early 1900s, Loudoun has been known far and wide as horse and hunt country, and nowhere has that been the case more than in the quaint enclave of Middleburg. And each year, during the first Saturday in December, the town becomes Christmas central. The charming shops along Washington Street, the main avenue that sports the town's only stoplight, all decorate with lush greens and holiday cheer. And there's lots of places to warm up and experience Virginia Piedmont atmosphere like the circa 1728 Red Fox Inn. The highlight of the day, for me and for the folks that make this day a holiday tradition, is the parade, which is led in spectacular fashion by approximately 100 horses and riders outfitted in red coats and dozens of hounds (45 to be exact, or 22 1/2 couples) making their way down through town. This spectacle is followed by an old-fashioned Christmas parade of dog clubs, marching bands, floats, and more, and ending with the man of the hour Santa Claus. You won't want to miss this event, especially if you have not witnessed it before! Stay around after and shop at their one-of-a-kind boutiques including the Christmas Sleigh, filled with holiday ornaments, decorations, and holiday gifts.

For more on the holidays in Loudoun, click here or watch our HD "Holidays in Loudoun" video: